Malik Rimeclan |
A tall, but narrow half-orc stands in the crowd. He's ugly as the night, which is probably while most of his head is covered with a hood. Parts of tattoos that fade into shadows underneath the hood are visible on his face. An extra layer to protect your eyes from the sheer terror that is his scarred visage. He wears a simple tunic with a few layers of studded leather over, a short blade is hanging from his belt. The tunic, dated as it is, seems to serve well, but it's apparently seen better days. His shoulders are partially covered with old paled fur stitched to the leather. While tall, he doesn't seem overly strong. He moves with surprising agility, but is otherwise timid when it comes to conversation. He merely waves at the group with a barely visible hand gesture, and briefly introduces himself:
"Hi. I'm Malik. I guess I'm with you today."
Figured we might as well start with introductions, since we're on a deadline with the actual scenario. I think, at least.
Baied Eldourha |
Good idea
A young half elf nods at the tall half orc.
My name is Baied, Baied Edourha, and I serve Adabar, the Master of the First Vault.
Her hair is silvery, her eyes are golden, and she is lightly clothed, over her chain shirt. A morningstar and a small wooden shield are near her, on the ground, as she relaxes and drinks from her waterskin.
Lets see what opportunities we will find in this Pathfinder's mission.I look forward to working with you, Malik, and I hope we'll find some benefit together.
Amba Okoah |
A halfling woman of middle age with tanned skin, dressed in a simple linen tunic, bows at the group. She has a short club in her hand that she uses as a walking staff, and a sling is attached to its end.
She takes a quick peek at Malik's hooded face, apprehensive but curious, then beams a wide smile at everyone. "It is an honor to work with you, Effendis. I am Amba Okoah, humble follower of the tenets of Khepri. I will do my best to assist you in whatever task the Venture-Captains deem fit for us." She bows again, head bobbing. Her hair is bound with a scarf that was once white, but is now grimy. That words holds for the entirety of her appearance. She seems a bit sweaty and smelly, as if she's had a hard day of work already. Her hands are dirty with mud and dust up to her forearms, and have received only a cursory wash. "I am especially delighted to meet a fellow woman of the cloth, Miss Edourha. Praised be the Gold-Fisted, even if wealth and power may turn quickly on a man..."
Effendis: Used as an Orision honorific.
Amba Okoah |
"Ah. Yes, Effendi, of course," Amba replies with a nod of her head, glossing over the fact that Baied misunderstood her intention, either on purpose or accidentally. She takes out a pendent tucked under her robe and proudly presents it, showing a blue scarab. "I pray to Khepri, Miss. He teaches us to work hard and be humble, so that He may take care of us."
Volyana |
A red-haired woman of average height and well built comes running down the street. She's wearing loose robes and a string of plain prayer beads around her neck. A few scars are visible running down her back, and an odd bundle of metal rods hangs at her belt. "Alright, I'm on time this time!" She composes herself a bit and presses her fist against her open palm. "Name's Volyana, greetings." She speaks with a noticable Kaer Magan accent
Malik Rimeclan |
Malik looks a tad confused by the names people throw around, then goes on with an appropriate level of awkwardness: "Our clan performs rituals in the name of Ioz'om. Most of it, anyway. That said, I also pray to the Sky Father, so he may provide plenty of fish for our tummies and the tummies of our young ones! May they grow big and strong!"
He almost shouts the last sentence, and only realises after he is done. He makes an apologetic grimace and shrugs his shoulders a bit.
"Apologies. I am not a man of words."
Baied Eldourha |
Answering the halfling
I do not know about that deity, sorry. I've joined the cult of Abadar recently, I was, and in fact I'm still, a merchant by heart and skill. I lack formal religious knowledge. But I'll work on it as soon as possible.
To Volayna
Nice to meet you. I'm Baied Eldourha, servant of Abadar.
To Malik
We all have our talents, and our shortcomings. That's why Abadar praise cooperation, for the greater good of the whole community.
Does any of you knows about our future mission? Or if someone else must join us?
Volyana |
Volyana glances at the tall half-orc and shrugs. "Words can mean many things and conceal many lies. Don't worry about the vagaries of language, we'll likely have the chance to demonstrate our true selves before this assignment is over."
Volyana |
Volyana turns to the cleric and smiles. "Abadar is a good choice. The Lord of the First Vault is quite popular back home, though I do not count myself as one of his faithful."
Amba Okoah |
"Oh, there is not need to apologize for that. The Humble Hand is not very well known outside of my homeland. ...Osirion," she adds belatedly, hoping to spare the half-elf having to apologize for another thing she may not know. "There is no shame in not knowing. Study hard and diligently, and you will prosper. I am sure of that."
Amba watches the conversation unfold, happy to be part of this new group. "My greeting, Miss Volyana. I am sure we are lucky to have you accompany us today." She wipes away a bead of sweat off her forehead with her hand, leaving a trace of dirt, then beams a very friendly smile at the Varisian woman.
Volyana |
"Luck is really just training and preparation. Though I am glad to be here, I will certainly learn more about myself from whatever challenges are ahead. You also seem quite capable." She returns a reserved smile and presses her fist against her palm again.
GM Crucible |
The sun beats down across this muddy plain, a scant five miles from the walls of Absalom. Fellow Pathfinders gather on all sides, including well-traveled field agents and more permanent staff from the Grand Lodge itself. In the center of the field stands a wooden platform, raised some ten feet off the ground. The excited chatter drowns out the buzz of summer insects as the gathered adventurers speculate on what’s to come.
While the Decemvirate hoped to keep their experimentation with the Sky Key a secret, thanks to the sheer number of experts and materials required by this endeavor, some rumors have inevitably leaked. You may already know some pieces of information or learn more by speaking with fellow pathfinders about the coming exercise.
Vendors also wander the area, allowing you to purchase any last-minute supplies you may need.
You may make a Diplomacy (gather information) check to see if you've overheard rumors about the Society’s latest activities related to this gathering, a Knowledge (arcana) check to analyze some some of the markings on the broad field, a Knowledge (history) check to recall some pieces of information about the place you're at. You may make untrained Knowledge checks, but if you do, modified checks max out at 12.
Xukong |
Late to arrive is a profoundly disquieting individual: Sinuous muscles can be seen beneath marble-white skin, its movements are rigid, odd, and punctuated by the occasional small spasm, and its sex is impossible to determine for sure, for in addition to its fine Tian garb, it wears a stunning metal-and-cloth full mask that reveals only the wearer's eyes: two stark white almonds, as cold and bright as distant stars. To its right it carries a small hexagonal spellbook and a small assortment of wands, and to its left it carries a massive sword.
Knowledge (Arcana): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19
Volyana |
Volyana regards the newcomer critically, then brightens when she spots the sword and spellbook. "Welcome, fellow student. Any who seek wisdom and mastery have my respect." She offers her usual fist-in-palm salute.
Xukong |
Xukong bows deeply and stiffly, like a wooden doll with only one point of articulation.
GM Crucible |
The Society has arranged this gathering in a large, open field 5 miles north of Absalom. The towers of the Patchwork City are visible over the horizon, as are a few crumbling siege castles, but the field lies far enough from the city to keep curious onlookers from approaching—or being endangered should things go wrong.
The assemblage of circles suggests a conjuration ritual, but there are enough variations that even this seems unlikely.
GM Crucible |
Gatherings of Pathfinders always bring great excitement and great anticipation. They also usually take place in more interesting places than a mildly muddy field outside of Absalom.
Master of Scrolls Kreighton Shane observes the Pathfinder agents arriving into the field and calls out "Yes, Pathfinders. A lot of you, certainly. Lovely! Well, find your places in an orderly fashion. We’ve got some truly exciting news today and I can’t wait to get started!”
Xukong |
"These are arcane ritual circles," Explains Xukong in a voice like an etheric wind. "Possibly a work of conjuration, but the angles are strange...."
Amba Okoah |
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Knowledge Arcana: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20 Untrained, 12
knowledge History: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
Amba greets the newcomer with trepidation, not speaking but simply waving her hand. "Well, that is... good to know, I think. We are going to summon something?"
Baied Eldourha |
Diplomacy, collect informations: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
Baied people skills are once again valuable, as she speaks with and listen to various Pathfinder, until she has a clearer view about this "Sky Key"
GM Crucible |
Baied mingles with the crowd and returns with a trove of information.
Supposedly the Society has reassembled the Sky Key, a dwarven relic it started piecing back together a year ago. The Society has been “secretly” buying up large quantities of sky metal whenever it appears in the market. The Pathfinders have also been recruiting dozens of arcane spellcasters, especially evokers.
The Grand Lodge has been importing all kinds of experts on Dwarven artifice, which seems reasonable—but also experts on Numerian science, conjurers, mathematicians, and even historians who specialize in Absalom’s earliest history.
Baied Eldourha |
Baied gives back the information to her colleagues.
Look into the spoiler above
The more we know about this thing, the most we'll be able to cooperate and succeed.
GM Mars |
Kreighton Shaine, the Pathfinder Society’s Master of Scrolls and de facto Master of Spells in the wake of Aram Zey’s untimely assassination, steps forward. A broad smile graces his youthful, elven features, and his golden hair shines in the sunlight.
You can find the rest of this message at the overseer thread.
Amba Okoah |
"That is very interesting information, Baied. Good for you!" Amba beams a prouid and encouraging smile at the half-elf woman. Before she can say more, the Master of Scrolls starts his speech.
Amba closes her eyes for a moment in remembrance of the Master of Spells, even though she had never met the man. She looks in awe of Kreighton Shane's speech, and the wonders that he introduces. Halfway, though, he mood turns less cheerful. "Peering into history, it that really what is meant? Are we reaching for the sun itself?" She looks thoughtful. "I would never dare criticize the Society and its goals of course" - she looks horrified at the prospect - "but is this really a wise idea?"
Her worries hold, even as the spellcasters begin their work and the area around them starts changing.
GM Crucible |
Quoting the Overseer post here, for ease of play. Do go read the thread on your own time, but I'll duplicate the important stuff here.
Kreighton Shaine, the Pathfinder Society’s Master of Scrolls and de facto Master of Spells in the wake of Aram Zey’s untimely assassination, steps forward. A broad smile graces his youthful, elven features, and his golden hair shines in the sunlight.
“Welcome, my countless eager scholars! Today we are about to witness a wondrous and strange new chapter in the Pathfinder Society’s history. But first, please everyone take a moment of silence to remember our lost Master of Spells and my close friend, Aram Zey. While many of you found his manner abrasive, he fully believed in the Society’s goals of exploration and cooperation, and I know his loss will be deeply felt by us all.” After a moment, Kreighton Shaine continues.
“You may have heard rumors about the Sky Key, an artifact coveted by the dwarves of Jormurdun. A few of you even managed to recover pieces of it. But—and this is the important part—the Sky Key is no dwarven relic. The dwarves found this artifact in one of Numeria’s many wrecks and struggled to master its abilities just as we have spent the past several months doing. But now… now we have this assembled... wonder.”
The Master of Scrolls pulls back a canvas tarp, revealing… a bed of withered roses.
“The Key itself is secure in a small chamber we’ve constructed below this field, and it is connected to the surface here by a series of adamantine rods and mithral cables.” He taps a dark metal shaft beside him. “This formerly-award-winning bed of roses, however, we have left sitting here for two weeks without sun or water.”
His hands weave an arcane pattern, and arcs of lightning leap from his fingertips to the rod. A chest-shaking hum rises from somewhere below, and a bubble of green light enfolds the roses, revealing a flower bed of vibrant reds, purples, and yellows where only withered brown stood moments before.
“This is the power of the Sky Key: It creates a window into the past. No longer will the Society have to pick at the precious few scraps...
GM Crucible |
See the linked slide deck for the "map" of the Temple (slide #2).
You've appeared in a serpentfolk city, in what seems to be 10,000 years earlier. You see the sprawling city of Kortos, and need to spread out from the other Pathfinder groups to explore the city block held by the time bubble.
You are given a rough sketch of the side view of the Sessegishoss temple (see slide). Based on the map, you can see the Temple Plaza and the Zoological Gardens, both of which are waiting to be explored. [EDIT]It is up to you to decide which direction you head.
Volyana |
"The mystical secrets of the serpent-folk would be quite amazing to see. I suggest moving towards the temple plaza." Volyana points to the upper section of the map.
GM Crucible |
As you look up at the Temple Plaza, you see no readily apparent way to get up there. You see some other parties of Pathfinders flying up, but they look too busy to assist you.
It seems your only real option is the Gardens below.
Can someone propose a marching order, please?
Malik Rimeclan |
Malik points towards the lower area of the map: "It seems we're headed for this other section after all."
He reads the description of the area and seems quite happy about it, but then notices it is a different kind of garden.
"Ah well. I'll stay back. Otherwise I would just slow you down observing the area. At least I am motivated to move forward with people in front of me."
Amba Okoah |
"Yes, Shaine Effendi said we had limited time, so we had best get going." She takes up a place near Volyana, sling staff in hand. "So, I had been meaning to ask... What are those rods?" she asks curiously.
Suggested marching order: Volyana, Xukong, Amba, Baied, Malik. Opinions?
Malik Rimeclan |
"The arcanists in the field hurled lightning at them and- Oh!", he pauses. "-Those- rods! Forget I said anything."
Fine with me.
GM Crucible |
In the lowest level of the temple complex you find a sprawling networks of caverns and artificial tunnels used as animal pens, stables, cave gardens, and training facilities for Ydersius’ holy animals, guards beasts, and draft dinosaurs. Wonders pass you on all sides as you travel to the gardens underneath the temple.
After skirting a group of priests, you exit a hallway into a large, open, underground space. The stink of animal scat and rotting meat fills this massive cavern. Shelves, passageways, and fixtures have been carved into the wall by careful hands, each stylized to resemble a serpent’s head or body.
Across the room, two lizardfolk lead a small dinosaur. They seem surprised by your presence, and step forward in an attack posture. One (red) is armed with a morning star, while the other raises some nasty-looking claws.
Amba: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
Baied: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
Malik: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Volyana: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Xukong: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1
Red: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (3) + 0 = 3
Yellow: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (11) + 0 = 11
Dino: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Dearel: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
Feel free to start your turn (plce your mini as you like) anywhere inside the white dotted box on the top slide.
—COMBAT—
Amba
Malik
* Dino
Dearel
Baieda
Volyana
*Yellow
* Red
Xukong
Those in bold may act
Dearel Ezo |
Just before the fight! )
The group catches up with the man in shining fullplate ('shining' is almost literally - it is clear that its owner is manically cleans his armor). On the way he sweeps away any dust from it and shakes a few times his cloak.
'Good day to you all! My name is Dearel Ezo. I'm the warrior of the Sacred Heaven's Armor (at this point, he proudly beats his plate glove in the chest - but so as not to dent the armor as if it is tinfoil) and I here to protect any of you from any harm. I'm sorry for my little lateness - came first to the wrong squad, but it turned out that I am with you. And that's great. Your names I know - I've already dreamed of this. Kindest Empyreal Lords sometimes send me prophetic dreams and in one I saw you and this place. And i saw here many battles in the name of Heaven and ... and knowledge of course!'
His voice sounds pretty confident, but a good speaker he is clearly not to be. It's like he communicates himself and all the while in a light trance. Not the most pleasant experience.
'If you don't mind, first I will go. I will be protected by my faith... and by my armor!
Without waiting for a reply, he takes out the sword and passes forward.
Malik Rimeclan |
"Hi!", Malik shouts at the creatures. "You probably won't believe it, but we're from the future!"
"Eh... Anyone speaks the local language?", he looks at the Pathfinders.
Dearel Ezo |
'I even have no idea what language they speak. Why are we not prepared for such things before sending? 'Miniature Glossary of the beginner snake's friend', and all that?'
Volyana |
Before violence begins.
Volyana looks back at Amba and gives her whip a flashy twirl. "It's a nine-section whip, my preferred weapon."
Oh, shouldn't the yellow one be before me?